The harmful effects of junk food are not unknown to anyone. However many pieces of research have shown the disadvantages of junk food like obesity, chronic diseases. It may satisfy your taste buds but there are several cons of junk food and it creates some serious health problems. You must be wondering that why is junk food unhealthy? it’s because of the high content of saturated fat and sugar in these processed foods. The dark side of processed foods is not taken seriously which is self-explanatory, that why junk food is considered bad for health.
Disadvantages of Junk Food
1. Weight Gain
Wondering why iss junk food unhealthy? Extra calories from fast food can cause weight gain. Eventually, it will lead to obesity because of the saturated fat deposits in the body. Weight gain causes breathing problems, shortness of breath. The extra weight can put pressure on the heart and lungs, that’s why doctors tell you to avoid junk food. Junk food is so bad for health that over the period of time it may lead to heart failure. You may experience difficulty in walking, running and that is your wake up call. Consuming it occasionally is not bad but it is very harmful to have it on a daily basis. The bad effects of junk food will eventually make you bedridden.
2. Tooth Decay is a Harmful Effect of Junk food.
Processed food is high in added sugar which means unwanted calories. The suggested amount of sugar intake per day is 100 to 150 calories only. Many drinks contain 8 teaspoons of sugar which are 140 calories and 39grams of sugar. Dry fruits like dry cranberry or plum have added sugar and that acts as a magnet for bacteria. Brushing your teeth only helps in maintaining oral health, therefore it doesn’t protect it. Meanwhile, Carbonated drinks are high in sugar which damages your enamel and makes your teeth weak. Above all the high sugar content makes you crave junk food. The bad effects of junk food don’t stop here. To maintain your oral health try to reduce the consumption of sugar, also try to take small steps such as replace coke with water, drink more green juices, and stay away from sweets like donuts or candies.
3.Fatigue
The major disadvantage of junk food is Fatigue. They make you feel good and satisfied but they don’t have any nutrients. Every time you eat junk when you feel hungry, you take a step forward towards bad health. Junk food lowers your energy levels due to which you feel tired. So The high content of sugar and salt in junk food can drain your energy. On the other hand, It can be as addictive as alcohol which does nothing good for your body. Moreover, Try to munch on fresh fruits or unsalted snacks when you are craving.
Try these banana chips as a healthy alternative of your regular chips, shop it on amazon.
4. Why is junk food unhealthy? It causes Skin Problems as well.
Suffering from acne or other skin problems? Junk food might be the reason behind it. Firstly, These junk foods that are high in saturated fat causes inflammation and promotes bad bacteria which leads to skin problems. It weakens your immune system over the period of time which makes you prone to all the skin and health problems. Secondly, Children or adults who consume junk food thrice a week are more likely to develop eczema. If you are already suffering from acne, high sugary drinks or greasy foods can make your condition worse. Therefore, You may consider it as a major disadvantage of junk food.
5.Depression in Teenagers
The number 1 con of junk food is depression which is a very serious issue. People who eat processed foods such as sweetened cereals, ice creams, burgers are more likely to develop symptoms of depression. There are 51% more chances for people to have depression as compared to those who eat once in a month. Further, A diet pattern is very important to prevent depression and other health issues. A plant diet can actually help you as it increases your metabolism and keeps you fresh, happy, and active all day long. Therefore, avoid high saturated fat foods. Instead of cereals try to start your day with a banana as its enzymes lift up the mood or eat Greek yogurt as it has soothing and calming properties. Also before going to sleep drink a cup of chamomile tea as it will help to relax your body and mind.
6.Increase Risk of Cancer
Processed food is high in fats, calories and whatnot, which leads to overweight. The main disadvantage of junk food is weight gain and it leads to cancer. Moreover, The instant spike in blood sugar levels can cause Endometrial Cancer. To avoid these serious health issues doctors recommend avoiding junk food. However, eating it once in a while is okay but avoid its consumption on a daily basis. The cons of junk food are usually overlooked but now is the time to awake. Some Cancer institutes usually advise their patients to avoid junk food or food that is high in fat or calories as overweight also results in many cancers.
7. Type 2 Diabetes the major disadvantage of Junk Food
Junk Foods are usually high in trans fat which leads to a high level of triglycerides, which increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. The harmful effects of Junk food don’t stop here as it may lead to Kidney damage as well, diabetic people are more prone to it. It also increases cholesterol which triggers Triglycerides. A 2016 study showed that insulin sensitivity may increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Try including vegetables and fruits in your diet for healthy guts. However, being overweight and inactive also increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
TIP: Try including Avocados in your diet as the healthy fats in it reduce the absorption of carbohydrates in the body. Having a salad is just the cherry on the top.
8.Heart Disease
Many researches have found that Junk food can cause premature Heart disease. Also, the high salt content raises blood pressure and saturated fat causes obesity which in turn puts pressure on the heart. The cons of Junk Food are that Over the period of time heart struggles to pump the blood to the entire body and it can lead to heart failure or paralysis. Greasy food only provides temporary satisfaction and permanent damage. The glycemic load does nothing but harms the heart. Fatty acids present in Junk food can clog the arteries leading to heart failure. 11% of Australia’s population dies due to a heart attack.
TIP: Avoid salty foods and switch to healthy oils. Incorporate healthy fats and have a low-fat diet in order to have a healthy heart. Also exercising thrice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease.
9.Indigestion
Vomiting, nausea, heartburns and diarrhea are the symptoms of indigestion. However, eating junk food can actually cause inflammation and disturbs the digestion work. Trans and saturated fat in junk food spike the level of insulin. Junk food is high in carbohydrates and calories which is very difficult to digest. A weak sphincter and stomach acid can cause indigestion. It slows down the digestion process over the period of time as lack of fiber and water in the meal irritates the stomach. Overeating also affects the digestion process and also causes vomiting or diarrhea.
TIP: Eating a balanced diet is very important. Double your water intake as water plays a major role in digestion.
10.Blood Sugar Levels
Junk food usually comes in large portions and at the same time, they are not filling. One tends to overeat as it is hard to realize while eating in portions. The food breaks down fast and causes an instant rise in sugar levels. The bad effects of junk food are innumerable as it does nothing but harm the body. The rise in sugar levels makes you prone to diabetes and also increases the risk of heart disease. You may not realize the hidden sugar content in some junk food, surprisingly diet coke is actually high in sugar content, your regular meat burger is full of trans fats, oils and unwanted calories.
TIP: Try to drink green juices as it helps to balance blood sugar levels. Salads with seeds are extremely healthy. Celery juice, Wheatgrass juice and green tea help your body in n number of ways. Therefore, having a balanced diet is key to have a healthy heart and body.
FAQ | on Side Effects of Junk Food
Incorporate vegetables, fruits, nuts and juices in your diet. These things are full of fiber which helps in digestion and at the same time boosts your immunity. As healthy food promotes white blood cells, they will protect you from bad bacteria and will provide you energy. The cons of junk food can be avoided by following a healthy diet pattern.
There is no solid research but eating junk food once a week does no harm to your body and it satisfies your taste buds without harming the body. However, try to eat more vegetables so that you can have a healthy metabolism which can help digest junk food faster.
White bread, Pizza, Carbonated soft drinks, fried food, potato chips are some of the unhealthy foods. The harmful effects of these junk food can cause serious harm to your body and may also damage the kidney. That’s why doctors tell you that junk food is bad for health.
Well, burgers and pizzas can be very tempting sometimes. However, their bad effects on health cannot be overlooked. You may choose healthy alternatives to lead a healthy life. For example: Eat salads instead of fries, swap your sugary drinks with water or green juices and eat fruits instead of candies. You may also swap your regular chocolate with dark chocolate as it also provides health benefits.
Editor’s Note | Disadvantages of Junk Food.
According to a government survey, during this pandemic, the consumption of Junk Food is rising at an alarming rate. 1 out of 5 houses orders Junk food on weekly basis. Health organizations are constantly worried about people’s health. Doctors are advising to do physical activities and to choose healthy alternatives. Secondly, they are worried that health problems might become an issue after the pandemic is over.
